In a show of solidarity and support, traditional rulers and stakeholders from Imo State, particularly those from Ohaji/Egbema Local Council, have thrown their weight behind the surveillance team led by Oweizidei Thomas Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, passing a vote of confidence on him for his efforts in curbing illegal oil bunkering activities in the state.

National Secretary of Phase One Presidential Amnesty Programme, Andrew Vocor, stated that Imo State has seen a significant reduction in oil pipeline vandalism and loss of lives since the deployment of Tompolo’s team. “We lost 300 persons in one day due to illegal bunkering, but today, there’s zero incident of bunkering in Imo State,” he said.

However, apparently unimpressed by the position of Imo State monarchs, a Coalition of Concerned Youth Bodies in Rivers State has urged the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to decentralise pipeline security contracts in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement signed by Mr Charles Malford, on behalf of the coalition in Port Harcourt, the group urged the President to take further decisive steps towards achieving lasting peace and stability in the region by decentralising the surveillance contracts.

The coalition expressed gratitude to Tinubu for his ongoing developmental efforts in the region, highlighting the President’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of oil-producing communities.

The youth bodies emphasised that decentralising pipeline security contracts is essential for creating job opportunities for youths, who make up the majority of the region’s population.

They said: “Concentration of contracts in the hands of a single company is neither equitable nor sustainable. Local communities should be involved directly in securing infrastructure to promote ownership and accountability.

“Engaging local youths meaningfully in pipeline security will reduce tendencies towards crime, drug abuse, and other social challenges.

Decentralisation promotes better grassroots participation and enhances the protection of critical infrastructure by involving community members who are familiar with their local environments.”

The coalition further urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to clarify and unbundle the existing pipeline and wellhead surveillance contracts to ensure clear roles and responsibilities.

They stressed that “this call for decentralisation is timely, fair, and necessary for fostering inclusiveness, better security, and strengthened regional cooperation.”